Monday, March 10, 2025
The United States has issued a travel warning urging its citizens to stay away from regions close to the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control, citing risks related to terrorism and the possibility of armed conflict. The advisory highlights particular concerns regarding Pakistan’s Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, which continue to face ongoing security challenges.
The advisory also pointed out serious security risks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the previously Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It cautioned that violent extremist groups remain active in planning and carrying out attacks, with both provinces regularly targeted by terrorist activities. These incidents have led to numerous casualties, and smaller-scale attacks are a frequent occurrence.
The US Government reported that terrorist and extremist activities have led to indiscriminate attacks targeting civilians, military personnel, and law enforcement. It stated that terrorists often carry out surprise assaults, targeting locations such as government offices, shopping malls, universities, tourist sites, airports, schools, hospitals, religious places, and transportation hubs. Additionally, US diplomats and diplomatic facilities in Pakistan have been subject to attacks.
The advisory underscored that Pakistan’s security landscape is volatile and can shift quickly. Although Islamabad benefits from stronger security infrastructure and quicker response times than other areas, threats remain prevalent across the country.
For those crossing between India and Pakistan, the advisory highlighted that the Wagah-Attari checkpoint in Punjab is the only authorized border crossing for non-citizens. Travelers were urged to verify the status of this crossing prior to their journey, as an Indian visa is required, and no visa services are provided at the border.
Balochistan has been assigned a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” designation due to frequent terrorist attacks targeting civilians, minorities, government buildings, and security forces. Similarly, travel to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the former FATA areas, is strongly discouraged because of the ongoing threat posed by insurgent and terrorist groups that regularly attack law enforcement, NGOs, civilians, and government entities. The risk of kidnappings and murders remains high in these regions, particularly targeting security personnel and polio vaccination teams.
